Bayern Munich hierarchy have sacked Julian Nagelsmann but the ranks of the players are divided over the decision.
Julian Nagelsmann was given the marching orders during the international break after a dismal domestic campaign.
The club said the former RB Leipzig manager has lost touch with initial drive and momentum and the team lacked consistency on the domestic front.
Julian Nagelsmann opened his 2023 campaign with Bayern Munich on an underwhelming note after the end of the World Cup break.
Like a programmed Casino, the Bavarians drew three straight matches on the go with the same scoreline.
They, however, returned to winning ways, winning consecutive matches and backing it up with a back-to-back Champions League win over French giants PSG to progress to Champions League quarterfinals.
Despite a masterclass display against PSG, Nagelsmann suffered another devastating blow on the domestic front against Bayer Leverkusen, surrendering a first-half lead to suffer a shock 2-1 defeat.
After the defeat, the Bavarians slipped off the Bundesliga summit by a point to rivals Borussia Dortmund and it appears that was the last straw that broke the camel’s back.
Julian Nagelsmann reportedly went skiing with his reporter girlfriend Wurzenburger and former Bayern Munich staff when he learned he has been fired by the club’s hierarchy.
He immediately rushed down from his vacation from the international break to hold a crisis talk with the club where his dismissal was confirmed.
Former Chelsea boss, Thomas Tuchel was appointed Bayern Munich manager immediately as Julian Nagelsmann marched off the Bavarians’ dugout in a dramatic end to his spell with the club.
Now, according to a renowned German media outlet Bild, Bayern Munich players are divided over the decision to sack Julian Nagelsmann.
Some players are said to have favored the departure of Nagelsmann while others are said to have kicked against it.
Bild claims about seven players wanted Julian Nagelsmann to go and leading the list are Manuel Neuer, Serge Gnabry, Sven Ulriech, Sadio Mane, Joao Cancelo, Jamal Musiala, and Leroy Sane.
On the ‘pro-Nagelsmann’ camp are Matthijs De Ligt, Leon Goreztka, Dayot Upamecano, Joshua Kimmich, and Benjamin Pavard.
Why the divisions?
According to Bild, a lot of factors is said to have led to the split in the rank of the players.
For instance, Manuel Neuer was publicly against the dismissal of Tony Tapalovic as goalkeeper coach at the club – a move which was reportedly engineered by Julian Nagelsmann.
Another factor that is said to have led to the division in the squad is Nagelsmann’s relationship with former staff of the club and Bild correspondent Wurzenburger.
Some players reportedly felt uncomfortable airing their grievances after Nagelsmann’s relationship with Wurzenburger emerged in the public glare because they believe all that they say will end up on Bild newspaper.
However, other players were not bothered about the relationship as they believe Nagelsmann can not set his professionalism on the line in his informal relationship.
Some players like Thomas Muller are said to have been indifferent and neutral on the sack decision.
While Bayern Munich players rile in division after the sack of Julian Nagelsmann, the former Leipzig manager has been tipped as a clear favorite to take over from Antonio Conte who left his job at Spurs on mutual consent on Sunday.
